View Full Version : Toilet Bowl Overflows
hestiaeuphemia
Apr 29, 2008, 10:01 AM
When I flush the toilet the bowl fills to the top, however does not happen every time. The flush has no power it is more of just a slow swirl. I pulled the toilet, snaked almost all of the drain all the way to the street, never found any clog. I replaced the flow valve, did not help. I was wondering if replacing the toilet would help of if perhaps I have a "stink pipe" problem. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
ballengerb1
Apr 29, 2008, 11:29 AM
Do not go out and buy a new toilet just yet. Your stink pipe is actually called a vent stack and yes I do think you have a clogged one. The stack is best rodded from the roof with at least a 1/2" snake long enough to reach roof top to basement floor plus 20'. Rod it and follow with a bucket of hot water down the stack.
rick4747
Apr 29, 2008, 04:18 PM
How old is this toilet? Another option could be that the toilet is old enough that it's limed up badly and that could be the problem. I'ved tried cleaning but with little success. Might be time for a new one.
speedball1
Apr 29, 2008, 04:54 PM
I have one that most repair plumbers miss.. Look down at the bottom of the bowl. If there is a small hole, then that is a jet that starts the syphon action. If it's clogged the water will just swirl around and slowly go down leaving solids behind. Take your finger,(UGH! ) and run it around the inside of the opening. Over the years minerals build up and cut down on the syphon (flush) action. If it is rough or you feel build up, take a table knife and put a bend in it to get around the curve in the bowl and chip and scrap it clear. Next take a coathanger and clear out the holes around the rim. They start the swirling action. And last, check the water level in the tank. It should be 1/2" below the top of the over flow tube. And speaking of the overflow tube, Make sure the small 1/8" tube from the ballcock to the white overflow tube is connected so it discharges in it and that it's flowing when the ballcock fills. This is what raises the water level in the bowl. For a good solid flush they all have to work together. Hope this helps . Tom
ballengerb1
Apr 29, 2008, 05:15 PM
Tom, I knew you come here and tell us to stick our fingers in that hole. Hey, where is your adsense.
speedball1
Apr 29, 2008, 05:58 PM
hey, where is your adsense.Perhaps Google doesn't love me any more.